How to Put Together Inexpensive STEM Ideas

Can you really do STEM cheap? Someone always asked me if it’s really possible because STEM is often associated with expensive items like software, robots, and computers! We know how to put together inexpensive STEM ideas everyone will love and benefit from. Whether you want to make tinker trays, put together STEM challenges, or try out cool science experiments, we have lots of ideas.

Sounds pretty expensive, doesn’t it? It doesn’t have to be. We have been collecting materials for some time on different trips to dollar stores, hardware stores, and even our recycling bin. Inexpensive STEM ideas are awesome and right at your fingertips.

FINDING INEXPENSIVE STEM SUPPLIES

We love to build structures and try out different simple STEM challenges. There are so many places to find supplies like the dollar stores, grocery stores, hardware stores, and even your junk drawers and tool boxes. In fact, if you open up your own cupboards and drawers, you would be surprised at what you already have collected.

The recycling bin is a great option too. To start, get a large container and start saving neat things. Check out the handy list below or click here to see our dollar store engineering kit!

Keep adding to your new bin and soon you will have an AMAZING go-to STEM materials collection to choose from for your next challenge or project.

Looking for easy to print activities, and inexpensive problem-based challenges?

We have you covered…

Click below to get your quick and easy STEM challenges.

HOW TO MAKE INEXPENSIVE TINKER TRAYS

I have enjoyed making some themed tinker trays this year. You can make them for each season and holiday. Each of our trays also features a set of FREE printable STEM challenge cards that you can print and even laminate to save from year to year.

I also like to keep a small tinker kit/tray/box on hand for everyday use. Our scissors, paper, markers, fasteners, and recycling bin collection are always available as a compliment to our trays.

Let creativity and curiosity spark at a moments notice when you keep supplies at the ready for your little inventor. Take a look at the theme tinker trays and baskets below. See the latest FREE printable cards just below and click on the picture.

IDEAS FOR INEXPENSIVE STEM ACTIVITIES

Simple and cheap STEM ideas make learning fun and easy for parents, teachers, and caregivers. Learning how to put together inexpensive STEM ideas means thinking outside the box!

Fancy supplies aren’t always necessary when introducing young kids to STEM. Keep it simple! Some of the best STEM challenges and science experiments use what you already have.

If you click on the link above or the picture below, you will have the opportunity to download a FREE pack featuring several of our most popular STEM challenges complete with materials and journal pages. FREE means frugal all the way!

Looking for easy to print activities, and inexpensive problem-based challenges?

We have you covered…

Click below to get your quick and easy STEM challenges.

CHEAP STEM CHALLENGES AND EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS

Click on photos or use the blue links for details. Here are a bunch of awesome and cheap STEM activities you can try right away!

NATURE AND STEM

SUPPLY LISTS FOR INEXPENSIVE STEM IDEAS

I have made a simple supply list below. They are by no means comprehensive but rather a sampling of supplies we currently have on hand. I like to check out the dollar stores with the change of the seasons and holidays to find new items or replenish highly used items.

Store your items in clear plastic totes. You can put seasonal items back into zip-top bags to reuse next year.

pipe cleaners

straws

toothpicks

play dough

craft sticks

craft tape

painters tape

LEGO

wooden blocks

marshmallows or other soft candy

rubberbands

paper clips

nuts, bolts, washers

pulley and rope (laundry version from the hardware store is perfect and frugal)

plastic cups in different sizes

cans and plastic bottles

cardboard boxes of all sizes

foam trays

toilet paper and paper towel rolls

k cups

packaging materials

CDs

egg cartons

milk cartons

baster

measuring cups and spoons

trays

squeeze bottles

glue and tape

drawing utensils

paper

hole punch

level

simple tools

protective eyewear

COLORFUL INEXPENSIVE STEM IDEAS FOR KIDS

Looking for easy to print activities, and inexpensive problem-based challenges?

I place an empty bin in each teachers lounge, labeled STEM trash to treasure. The teachers save their empty tissue boxes, clorox wipe containers, lids from water bottles etc. and place them in the bins so that we can recycle them for STEM projects. We use the lids for catapults, the boxes for making coolers or fooseball games, lots of great trash to treasure projects.